laan2 jan1 kan4讕殷勤谰殷勤
Jyutpinglaan2 jan1 kan4
Yaleláan yān kàhn
Definition
To pretend to be diligent, attentive, or hardworking on purpose.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
This term carries a strong negative connotation of insincerity or sycophancy. It implies that the person is not genuinely diligent but is performing these actions specifically to gain favor or recognition from someone in a position of power. It is frequently used to describe someone trying to curry favor with a superior or a teacher.
Examples
He is pretending to be hardworking in front of the boss.
Why do you need to pretend to be so hardworking?
Related words
Common phrases
to pretend to be hardworking in front of others
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being hard-working, which is 勤力. Using 讕殷勤 suggests you believe the person is being fake or manipulative, so it should not be used to describe someone you genuinely admire for their work ethic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
